Govt Says Audio Clip Claiming Complete Lockdown Circulating On WhatsApp Is Fake

The Government on Friday said a purported audio clip, being widely circulated on WhatsApp, claiming a complete lockdown to be enforced in the country is ‘fake’ and ‘a work of miscreants’.

The clip was made viral following PM Modi’s address to the nation on Thursday on the coronavirus in which he called for a trial curfew on March 22 from 7 am to 9 pm.

The Government of India’s press information bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check Twitter handle: @PIBFactCheck, declared it fake and asked the users to not spread it.

An audio clip of a #FAKE phone conversation between two individuals discussing "complete lockdown" of the country is being shared widely on #WhatsApp

The audio clip is FAKE and work of miscreants. Please do not forward it. #IndiaFightsCorona #CoronavirusPandemic pic.twitter.com/Kjbfp1rPpl

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) March 20, 2020

Earlier, as scientists scramble to find a cure for the novel coronavirus ravaging around the world, a post was circulated widely on social media, claiming that drinking water prevents the coronavirus.

The Government debunked the claim and called for practising respiratory hygiene, social distancing and washing hands to prevent the virus.

#PIBFACTCHECK : NO! Drinking water CANNOT prevent #Coronavirus infection.

But practicing respiratory hygiene, social distancing and washing hands frequently will surely prevent you and others against #Coronavirusoutbreak. pic.twitter.com/oiOH41ncmk

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) March 20, 2020